Certified Animal Massage
Because every dog deserves to feel like a puppy again
Helping Your Dog Feel Like a Puppy Again!
Working as part of a team with your veterinarian, we offer evidence-based relaxation, maintenance, and post-operative in-home animal massage services in the comfort of your home.
Regular massage can help maintain and increase mobility, addressing pain and reducing the likelihood of future musculoskeletal injuries. It can serve as early detection of new mobility-related issues, allowing owners to be proactive in their best friend's care. Massage can also work to lessen the severity of age related mobility challenges for our senior companions.
Find out more about our story here.
How We Can Help
In-Home Certified Animal Massage Services Offered:
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Senior maintenance: Keep your aging friend moving smoothly.
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Mobility-centered bodywork: Is your dog slowing down on walks or having difficulty going up and down stairs due to muscle & joint pain? We can help!
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Post-operative support: Addressing compensatory muscle stiffness and pain that result from injury & lack of use.
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General relaxation: For stressed or depressed dogs or as a tranquil gift to your beloved companion.
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Preventative: Reducing likelihood of future injury caused by muscle tension & potential early detection of physical ailments.
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Environmental management consultation: Assessment and recommendations to make your home environment more safe and accessible for animals with mobility challenges, reducing likelihood of re-injury.
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Certified Trigger Point release: Immediate improvements in range of motion restrictions.
Full Benefits of Certified Massage
Certified massage sessions integrate anatomical expertise with targeted, muscle-specific techniques to benefit our furry companions in numerous ways: (Riley, 2021)
Anatomical
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Addresses muscle stiffness and soreness
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Increased mobility and motility of muscle
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Improved fascial plasticity
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Improved joint range of movement
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Improved tissue movement and functionality
Physiological
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Increased venous and lymphatic flow
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Increased fluid exchange between vascular system and peripheral tissues
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Addresses inflammation, pain, muscle fatigue
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Parasympathetic activation, including reduced cortisol and increased serotonin
Psychological
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Reduced depression
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Reduced fear and anxiety
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Reduced stress
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Addresses pain
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Improved mood and demeanor
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Improved motivation
Contraindications
Massage is never a replacement for veterinary care and is not appropriate in the following circumstances unless approved by your veterinarian:
- Acute illness
- Undiagnosed illness
- Undiagnosed mobility concern (eg. lameness, limping, pain, etc.)
- Skin conditions: open or healing wounds, undiagnosed conditions
- Contagious conditions (always contraindicated)
- Recent or healing trauma, within seven days from date of injury
- Unusual/unexplained signs of pain or discomfort
- Pregnancy
- Altered vital signs (abnormal respiratory rate, temperature, capillary refill time, dehydration symptoms)
Always consult with your veterinarian first!
What to expect
New clients will receive a veterinary referral form to provide to their primary (or rehab) veterinarian, along with a link to create a profile in our client portal. Through the portal, you will be asked to complete and sign an intake form and client agreement, which will gather your dog's medical history and other relevant information. Once we have received and reviewed your completed forms and signed agreement, we can schedule your first appointment!
Your first booking will be an initial intake session and will take up to two hours. This session will include a goal discussion, plan development, a comprehensive assessment that will evaluate gait, posture, positional transitions, as well as body condition. Once this is completed, the session will include up to one hour of massage.
At the end of the session, you will receive session notes highlighting any noteworthy points, anatomy diagrams, as well as recommendations for stretches to do at home in order to keep your pet feeling their best.
Subsequent sessions are up to one hour in duration. Typically, sessions will take place in the comfort of your home where your pet is most comfortable and relaxed, however we can also offer a safe and comfortable massage space in East Vancouver if you prefer to bring your dog to us.
Important: in order to prepare for your sessions, please ensure your dog is brushed, has had a chance to relieve themselves, and hasn't eaten in the two hour period leading up to the session (some treats are ok). If any changes occur in the health of your dog prior to your session, please let us know ASAP as your session may have to be rescheduled if contraindications are present (see above).
Ready to learn more?
See all of our service options HERE!
Frequently Asked Questions
